How to Write an Obituary

When you lose someone you love it’s hard just to cope with daily living tasks, let alone writing an obituary. As hard as it is to think about, writing, an obituary is a sentiment and high overview of your loved one’s life. There’s nothing quite as moving as a well-written obituary that captures the essence of someone’s life and honors them. Often an obituary is something that serves as a keepsake for generations to come to mark a life lost. So if you’re tasked with writing one how do you go about starting? Here are some tips, according to Better by TODAY. 

Jot down the key facts first

Even the most sensational obituaries should include key details about the person’s life and death. First, you’ll want to include the person’s name, birthplace, age, date of death, location and cause of death (optional). From there, Shain says you should go on to include other biographical staples such as “whether they got married, had kids, [details of] their careers and retirement.” You’ll also want to share the names and relationships of who survives the deceased, and finally, include the details of the memorial service, where to send flowers or donations and any other must-know information for mourners. The recitation of these details can feel a bit cold and clinical, but it’s important to have the basics down.

Write in the present tense, in letter form and change it later

Emma Goss, an eyewitness news reporter for Bakersfield Now and former producer at NBC News, has written obituaries for celebrities, beloved community members and, strange as it sounds, for famous people who aren’t yet deceased. Goss’s most practical tip is to “write in the present tense and change it to the past tense later.” This approach can help you “feel like you’re really connecting to who you’re writing about,” Goss says, adding that you can also benefit from a first draft in letter form. “Deliver it like you’re writing it to their husband or wife or best friend. Tell them something [positive] that they may not have known.”

Ask yourself these questions about your loved one

• How would you describe your loved one’s personality? What did people say most often about him/her?

• What are some of your favorite memories of your loved one?

• What were your loved one’s proudest accomplishments?

• What were your loved one’s hobbies/favorite things?

• What was the thing you loved most about your loved one?

• Any foibles/quirks or other personality traits that made your loved one extra special?

• Also fodder for thought: “How would they want to be remembered? And how will they be genuinely remembered by those who loved them? 

 Reach out to friends and family for memorable stories

Part of what makes Heller obituary so lovely is that it gives you all the staple information of a traditional obit, but functions more as a eulogy, with tons of anecdotes and character. To write an obit like this, narrow in on your clearest memories.

“What are the first words that come to mind when you think of the person [who has passed]?” asks Shain. “What are some stories that demonstrate those qualities? It's a good idea to talk to other family members because you will jog each other's memories. See what other people remember — that’s a really good place to start. Sentenac stresses not to be shy when it comes to recalling “funny stories, mishaps or eccentricities. Sometimes those kinds of things best represent a person's life.”

At Trinity Memorial Gardens, we’re experts in this field, so allow us walk you through all of your questions. We’re here to help you turn this experience into an opportunity to celebrate life, and to make this process as easy and painless as possible. Contact us today.

Sources:

https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/how-write-perfect-obituary-according-professional-writers-ncna1055996